The new USB standard is coming to an end: it is USB4 version 2, which the USB Promoter Group has just announced and described in an official document. What are the changes brought by this new version?
With USB4, the available bandwidth is 40 Gbps. Well, with USB4 version 2, the bandwidth is doubled so it goes to 80Gbps. An ultra fast connector, including in comparison to Thunderbolt 4 which is also limited to 40 Gbps. Besides, it is indeed “USB4 version 2.0”, and not “USB4 Gen 2” as was the case with certain versions of USB3. Frankly, it’s a bit of a mess in the naming convention of USB standards… A simple USB 4.1 or even USB5, that was good too…
The connection USB4 version 2.0 can be used with new 80 Gbps active Type-C cableswhile ensuring a compatibility with existing USB4 cables (at 40 Gbps passive). As you will have understood, for the connector we remain on USB-C, and there is always support for the power supply (Power Delivery). This new version ensures backward compatibility with previous versions (USB4 version 1.0, USB 3.2, USB 2.0 and Thunderbolt 3), which is essential for this new standard to be gradually adopted.
The first peripherals equipped with USB4 version 2.0 ports should arrive on the market by the end of the year. Thunderbolt should also get an update, but due to licensing issues, USB and Thunderbolt are updated separately. The official document in PDF format is available here: USB4 version 2.
Are there any USB4 enthusiasts here? Personally, I only use USB3.
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